Mr Lok Nath Aryal1, Mr Md Sahadat Hossain1, Ms Sanjana Akter1, Dr Syed Zulfiqar Rizvi1, Dr Soo Jean Park1, Dr Bishwo Mainali1

1Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia

Biography:

I am “iMQRES MRES” scholarship recipient and currently pursuing my second year of Master's by research in Applied BioSciences at Macquarie University. My research focuses on exploring alternative methods to chemical pesticides for managing serpentine leafminer. I have completed my Master's degree in Agriculture Entomology from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. In addition, I serve as a Technical Officer in the Department of Entomology at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). I have been involved in research related to insect ecology, economic entomology, and integrated pest management. I have authored and co-authored approximately a dozen research articles on entomology, along with a dozen other scientific publications, including books, book chapters, and technical booklets. I have participated in different conferences (Nepal) related to entomology. These experiences have enhanced my research skills in sustainable pest management, particularly in my current project on behavioural response of serpentine leafminers to visual and olfactory stimuli.

Abstract:

The serpentine leafminer (SLM) Liriomyza huidobrensis, a newly established invasive polyphagous pest in Australia, is a serious threat to vegetable and ornamental plants grown in a protected setting. Chemical pesticides have limitations in controlling this pest due to its small size, rapid reproduction, and quick development of pesticide resistance. Early detection and mass trapping are keys to the sustainable management of SLM. Sticky traps are used for monitoring and mass trapping of SLM. However, the efficiency of such traps in reflecting the on-crop abundance is often debated. In an effort to develop an efficient trap that encompasses both visual and olfactory stimuli to enhance the response of SLM, we investigated SLM’s response to different colours and shapes of sticky cards in field cages, and essential oils in Y-tube olfactometer. Yellow sticky cards stood out among all the colours tested. Geometric shapes like rectangular, triangular, circular, or cylindrical did not seem to be a response-eliciting factor for SLM. A flower model trap (FMT) that mimics the yellow chrysanthemum flower, a primary host of SLM, captured a higher number of SLMs than conventional yellow sticky traps. Y-tube olfactometer assays on essential oils identified basil oil and clove oil as attractants to SLM adults. These essential oils along with the newly developed flower model trap, did not show a compounding effect in enhancing SLM attraction in semi-field conditions. This discrepancy suggests a need to optimize concentrations of essential oils for effective attraction in an open environment.